Frequently Asked Questions
Contacting SBWC
How do I join the email newsletter list?
Sign up using the Get Our Newsletter box in the right column of our Home Page.
How do I unsubscribe to the email newsletter?
If you would prefer not to receive our occasional newsletters, just reply and write “Unsubscribe” or “Remove” in the subject line.
How do I request snail-mail information about conferences?
You can call (805) 964-0367 or send an email with your request.
Conference: Registration, Payment, and Refunds
How much does the conference cost?
The conference fee is $825. We offer an early-bird discounted rate ($625) each year before March 1. The fee includes all workshops, lectures, panels, speakers, opening reception, closing dinner and awards. It does not include lodging or other meals.
How do I register?
Fill out the secure form on our Web site or send in a check with the registration form, which can be downloaded from the Web site. You may also call (805) 964-0367.
When is the deadline for registration?
May 15, 2008.
Does my registration payment get me into all of the events?
All conference events – workshops, panels, speakers, opening reception, closing dinner and awards – are included; however, lodging is not included.
I'm registered for the full conference, does that include the Sue Grafton VIP reception?
No, the VIP reception is not included in the conference fee. It is included in the WordFest pass, but the public or conference attendees are welcome to purchase tickets for $50. The reception will be held from 5:30-7:00 on Wednesday, June 25 and includes cocktails, wine and hors d'oeuvres.
How can I confirm my registration was received and processed?
After we receive and process your registration, we will send confirmation by U.S. mail.
I registered for the Writers Conference but am no longer able to attend. Can I get a refund?
Requests for refunds must be made in writing, by email or postal mail to Santa Barbara Writers Conference, P.O. Box 6627, Santa Barbara, CA 93160. A $50 administrative fee will be charged for all refunds. No refunds will be given after May 15, 2008.
I can’t attend the whole conference, is there any other option?
In 2008, we’re again offering the Taste of the Conference option. Come for the first few days of the conference at a reduced rate of just $475. If you’ve never attended SBWC before, this is a great way to sample the workshops and get a sense of how the conference works. "Tasters" will arrive Saturday afternoon, June 21, for registration and Orientation and stay through Tuesday, June 24. To register, use this page.
I can’t attend the whole Writers Conference and the dates for the Taste of the Conference don’t work with my schedule either, is there a day rate?
No, we do not offer a day rate. However, the speaker events at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. most days of the conference are open to the public and you may purchase tickets to them. Afternoon speakers and panels are $15 and evening speakers are $20. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
How do I sign up for Agents & Editor's Day?
All registered attendees will be contacted by e-mail when the online sign ups are available. We hope to have this ready by the end of May, or early June at the latest. More details coming soon.
Which events are available for individual ticket purchases?
Special Guest Speakers and Panels:
Saturday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. – Ray Bradbury
Sunday, June 22, 4 p.m. – Bob Mayer "How t Pitch to an Agent/Editor."
Sunday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. – Joseph Wambaugh
Monday, June 23, 7:30 p.m. – Jane Heller
Tuesday, June 24, 4 p.m. – New book panel with moderator Shelly Lowenkopf, featuring Magaret McMullan, SBWC alum Lori Hartman Gervasi and others.
Tuesday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. – Luis Alberto Urrea
Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. – Sue Grafton
Thursday, June 26, 4 p.m. – Panel to be announced.
I am attending the Writers Conference and want to bring a friend to hear a speaker. Can I?
Tickets for individual speakers may be purchased at the door or online. Afternoon speakers are $15 and evening speakers are $20. Unregistered guests may not attend daily workshops.
How can I confirm my purchase of individual tickets for guest speakers?
You will receive confirmation by email. Online purchase is only available until the day before each speaker, and all pre-purchased tickets will be available at the door.
I have a completed manuscript I would like feedback on. Can a workshop leader review it for me?
You can pay an extra $40 and receive a written manuscript review prior to the conference by one of our workshop faculty. If you request and purchase a manuscript review, the manuscripts must be sent to us before May 15. One manuscript only, and no more than 3,000 words (about 10-11 double-spaced and typed pages) of a short story, novel, screenplay, play or poetry. Make sure you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope so it can be returned to you before the conference. If you would like, you may discuss the critique with the workshop leader who wrote it at the conference. Send the manuscript to SBWC Manuscript Review, P.O. Box 6627, Santa Barbara, CA 93160.
What are the important deadlines I need to know about?
The deadline for applying for a scholarship is: Feb. 15
The early-bird registration deadline is: March 1.
The last day to request a refund for registration (minus a $50 handling charge) is: May 15
Deadline for receiving manuscripts for Manuscript Review: May 15
2008 Taste of the Conference dates are: June 21- June 24
Dates of the entire 2008 Summer Conference: June 21-26
Attending the Conference
I’m from out of town and will attend the conference. Where should I stay?
Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, where the conference is held, offers a special rate of $225 per night for SBWC students, but space is limited. Reservations must be made with the hotel: (800) 879-2929.
Fess’ place offers exceptional conference facilities, luxurious rooms and every amenity imaginable. There are several restaurants on site, a beautiful pool, exercise room and spa, and lighted tennis courts. Across the street is the Pacific Ocean and the 2.2-mile Cabrillo Beach walkway for runners, walkers and cyclists. Downtown Santa Barbara is within walking distance, as are Stearns Wharf and the Harbor, where there are shops and restaurants.
Another lodging option is the Santa Barbara Inn, only a half-block away, where there is a block of rooms reserved for SBWC attendees at the discounted rate of $199 per night. Call 1-800-231-0431.
A number of other hotels/motels along Cabrillo Boulevard are just a short electric shuttle ride away. For additional lodging options, check out our Santa Barbara-region hotel/motel list [pdf]. We recommend making hotel reservations as soon as you can. It is normal during summer in Santa Barbara for every hotel in town to be booked. Don't delay!
I’m not staying at the DoubleTree, what area has the closest lodging?
Try the Santa Barbara Inn, only a half-block away, where there is a block of rooms reserved for SBWC attendees at the discounted rate of $199 per night. Call 1-800-231-0431.
The DoubleTree Resort is in the waterfront area, on Cabrillo Boulevard. If you are not staying at the DoubleTree, look there for lodging closest to the conference location. For additional lodging options, check out our Santa Barbara-region hotel/motel list [pdf].
I’m not from California, how far away are the other towns mentioned in the hotel list?
Driving, Goleta is about 15 minutes north of the DoubleTree, and Carpinteria is about 15 minutes south. For reference, the University of California – Santa Barbara is north, near Goleta.
Is there transportation to the DoubleTree Resort from the airport?
Yes. The DoubleTree provides a shuttle on the hour, every hour , seven days a week from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport.
Should I fly into Santa Barbara or Los Angeles?
Flying into Santa Barbara is recommended. If you decide to fly into LAX, there are a few options to get up to Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Airbus provides a nice bus that picks up you and your luggage right from the LA terminal and has several drop-off locations in the Santa Barbara area. There is also a train from LA to SB, but you must get on the metro/“subway” to get to Union Station and this takes over an hour and would be uncomfortable with luggage, especially if you are unfamiliar with the LA area. Renting a car from LA, if shared with a few other people, would be a reasonable idea, but flying into SBA is the ideal situation. The airport is only 15 minutes from the DoubleTree Resort.
Where can I park during the Writers Conference?
Parking at the DoubleTree is abundant and free.
Will there be food provided?
The Opening Night Barbecue on Saturday night, the Cocktail Party on Monday night, and the Thursday night Closing Awards Banquet are included with the conference fee. Participants are responsible for all other meals. There are several restaurants on site at the DoubleTree or you may go to one of the other nearby options. A list of area restaurants is available online.
Will there be book-signings?
Immediately following every speaker and panel, authors will be available to sign their books. In addition, there will be a special book-signing 5-6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, for workshop leaders and conference alumni who are attending in 2008. (For publishing house authors only.)
Will I be able to buy books at the Writers Conference?
Santa Barbara’s independent bookstore, Chaucer’s Books, will be providing the onsite bookstore, which will be open every day of the conference from 11 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. (except the final Friday).
Where can one make copies and/or print manuscripts? What about Internet access at the hotel?
High-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel lobby (free) and in the guest rooms (for a fee). For those staying at the DoubleTree, the hotel also offers copying and printing services through the concierge for a nominal fee.
Additionally, we have made arrangements with a nearby OfficeMax for a special discount for conference attendees. Black and white copies will be 4 cents per page and color copies 49 cents per page. More information about how to get this discount will be available at the conference Orientation.
Directions to OfficeMax: 219 E Gutierrez St., (805) 899-4983
From Highway 101, exit Garden Street and go toward the mountains (northbound, turn right onto Garden) (southbound, turn left). The first intersection is a stoplight at Gutierrez, turn left and OfficeMax will be immediately on your right, next to Smart&Final.
From the DoubleTree, head north (toward the Harbor) on Cabrillo Boulevard. Turn right onto Garden Street. After you go under Highway 101, you will turn left at the first intersection, which is a stoplight, Gutierrez Street. OfficeMax will be immediately on your right, next to Smart & Final.
Young Writers Program
Is the Writers Conference appropriate for teens?
Yes! SBWC offers a special program and discounted rate for Young Writers ages 14-18. Students are invited to participate fully in all our regular conference activities, including the daily workshops and all speakers, panels and presentations. In addition, we organize special activities throughout the week for Young Writers, including a pizza lunch with a literary agent from New York. In 2008, we will have a special orientation for Young Writers during registration on Saturday, June 21 at 3:00 p.m.. The Young Writers Program registration fee is $525.
Who coordinates the Young Writers so they don’t get lost in the shuffle?
Our Young Writers Program coordinator is USC student Dallas Woodburn. Dallas is an SBWC alumna who has written two collections of stories and essays (There’s A Huge Pimple on My Nose! and 3 a.m.) and has been widely published in national magazines, including Writer’s Digest, Justine, Listen, Writing, Encounter, and The Hudson Valley Literary Magazine. Her Web site and Write On! Foundation, created to increase literacy awareness, have garnered national attention and honors. She has taught her own summer writing camp class the past two summers, and has spoken at the Jack London Writer’s Camp.
Dallas will be available throughout the conference to encourage and meet with Young Writers, answer any questions that come up and serve as a “resident adviser” for those students who stay at the DoubleTree Resort.
Can I register for the Young Writers Program on-line?
If you would like to register a young writer, please email us or call (805) 964-0367.
Tell me again, what ages are appropriate to attend the Young Writers Program?
Graduating eighth-graders through graduating high school seniors. (ages 14-18)
Workshop Information
Do I need to sign up in advance for the workshops?
No, you may make your decisions day by day. There is no need to decide ahead of time. Most of the workshops range from 15 to 25 people. Some of the more popular workshops attract larger numbers, but the rooms are spacious enough to accommodate those who want to attend. The culture of the conference has always been one of people feeling free to try out workshops, and move from one to the other at will until you find one you really feel comfortable in. Most new students check out a number of workshops in the first couple of days of the conference, and then settle down in one morning and one afternoon workshop the rest of the week.
Who teaches workshops?
Experienced, practicing writers and teachers, all highly regarded in their respective fields. Details on each workshop leader are available on the faculty page.
What is a “Master Class?”
Master Classes are three-day workshops within the conference intended to offer experienced writers an opportunity to work directly with an accomplished author who is not a member of our regular faculty. In 2008, we are offering two Master Classes, one with Catherine Ryan Hyde and one with Denise Chavez . Master Classes cost an additional fee of $150. (You must be a registered student of the June conference to apply for a Master Class.) The classes, listed below, will be limited to no more than 20 people. Conference attendees interested should contact Executive Director Marcia Meier via email or (805) 964-0367. Writers will be required to submit a five-page sample of writing, a brief bio including any publishing credits, plus payment of $150.
What do I need to bring to workshops?
Enthusiasm, an open mind, a pen, paper, laptop, if you prefer, and any in-process stories, poems, manuscripts, etc.
Santa Barbara Information:
What will the weather be like?
In June, Santa Barbara usually experiences morning fog which burns off about noon to beautiful sunny days. Most people dress in “layers,” so they can peel off a sweatshirt or sweater when the day warms up. The evenings are cool, and the days are bright. Generally, 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Local weather information from Weather Underground.
What should I bring to wear?
The dress at the conference is decidedly casual. Many students wear shorts or jeans to workshops. Evening wear is also casual, with khakis, capris and/or summer dresses common.